The Best Movies About Mental Hospitals Ranked

Not many settings have earned recognition of mental institutions. Since the 1970’s, mental wards have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s mathematicians, traumatized teenagers or psychotic killers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about mental illness that deserve to be celebrated.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism that caused emotional damage. I remember visiting dark mental institutions that gave me valuable tips on how to overcome my mental disorder. A hopeless location, the institution cared for patients with grim mental conditions. It was fascinating observing the way that the institution functioned by taking care of patients with mental illness that faced a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured mental disorders that cause people to face unrest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about mental hospitals. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing mental institutions in which people face grave danger, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a psychotic patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite film about mental institutions of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that are relevant today. It delivers a bold message about mental health that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after the release of a classic film about brave men breaking rules of a mental hospital causing unrest, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has impressed by making great movies which have stood the test of time as the best.

2. Short Term 12

It’s always challenging to recover from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a kid in school experiencing abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with his parents which were abusive. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from a past that left him terrified. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers in an American mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a strong reminder of a bold genre that has made great movies about which audiences care.

3. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disorder that changed my aunt’s life forever.  Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Facing illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. No matter how hard she tried, my aunt couldn’t overcome a disorder that left her terrified. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured men with Bipolar disorder facing mental hospitals. Drawing from personal experience as a father of a son with Bipolar, David O. Russell created a powerful portrait of a disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat has a nervous breakdown after hearing his wedding song in therapy causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who portrayed an anxious man with a Bipolar. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of mental health which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about mental hospitals which audiences appreciate.

4. The Elephant Man

Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow.  Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture obstacles a man with facial deformities in mental hospitals is facing. For instance, the scene where John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. A bold portrait of men with deformities that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which are worth celebrating.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”.  Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination in psychiatric hospitals causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced one-of-a-kind movies leaving a legacy behind.

6. Shutter Island

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mental hospitals on an island, it’s worth discussing Shutter Island. Since its publication in 2003, Dennis Lehane’s novel has become a literary classic. In 2010, Martin Scorsese honoured the classic book about a haunted island in his movie “Shutter Island”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Shutter Island” stand out is its unreliable narration. Scorsese effectively uses unreliable narration to capture the declining mental health of a patient in an institution. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Scorsese created a portrait of mental hospitals that’s compelling. As memorable as islands that are investigated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which deserve to be appreciated.

7. Primal Fear

Split personality disorder is a sensitive disease rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often ignored a disorder that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding a disorder evoking fear, it’s worth praising “Primal Fear”. Released in 1996, Gregory Hoblit’s movie offered a powerful portrait of split personality disorder. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Primal Fear” stand out is its depiction of lawyers. Hoblit uses captivating montages capturing hardships lawyers defending psychotic patients in institutions are facing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is amazing in the lead role, Hoblit created a courtroom drama that’s engaging. As strong as Martin’s desire to win his courtroom case, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about mental hospitals which audiences embrace.

8. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted a family faced tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a decade that manufactured memorable movies audiences consider to be special.

9. Awakenings

Awakenings is a legendary memoir about mental hospitals that has built a lasting legacy. Published in 1973, Oliver Sacks’ memoir captured individuals with catatonic disability. In 1990, Penny Marshall honoured the memoir about awakenings in her movie “Awakenings”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Awakenings” stand out is its positive depiction of doctors. Marshall uses captivating montages capturing hardships doctors in a mental hospital are facing. Assisted by Robin Williams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Marshall created a disability drama that’s compelling. A fantastic portrayal of compassionate doctors seeking to care for patients that are catatonic, it’s a terrific reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies about mental institutions which have always captivated the public.

10. Joker: Folie a Deux

Few comic-book villains in need of psychiatric help are as beloved as the Joker. Since his creation in the 1940’s, the Clown Prince of Crime has appeared in great movies. In 2024, Todd Phillips honoured the comic-book character in his movie “Joker: Folie a Deux”. Phillips used montages capturing tensions of a mental asylum. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is superb in the lead role, Phillips honoured the Joker’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of hospitals that practice cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to become a standup comedian, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making engaging movies about mental hospitals facing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.